Loricera Bristly Ground Beetle vs New Zealand Sandfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Loricera Bristly Ground Beetle | New Zealand Sandfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Loricera pilicornis | Austrosimulium ungulatum |
| Order | Coleoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Simuliidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, North America, northern Asia | New Zealand, especially South Island |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Loricera Bristly Ground Beetle
A small, distinctive ground beetle with uniquely modified antennae bearing long bristles. These bristle-fringed antennae act as a cage to trap springtails, its primary prey.
Did You Know?
Its antennae are unique among beetles - long bristles form a basket-like trap that pins springtails against the ground before the beetle's mandibles can grab them.
New Zealand Sandfly
A small black fly endemic to New Zealand that inflicts painful bites, particularly notorious in the South Island's West Coast and Fiordland regions. Despite being called sandflies locally, they are actually black flies in the family Simuliidae. They breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Did You Know?
Maori legend says the sandfly was created by the goddess Hine-nui-te-po to prevent humans from lingering too long in the beautiful Fiordlands.